TRAVERSE CITY — The 14th annual Patriot Game between Traverse City Central and Traverse City West will take place at Thirlby Field on Friday night. Each year, the two rival schools raise money for a veteran organization in northern Michigan of their choosing.
Last year’s beneficiaries were Reining Liberty Ranch and Peach Ranch, each receiving $4,569.62 from the Patriot Game fundraising efforts.
This year, the Honor Flight Network was selected by student senate members from both schools as the beneficiary to show their appreciation for the sacrifices that veterans around the country have made for our freedom.
The Honor Flight Network, a national nonprofit organization, operates through 128 independent hubs across the U.S. Its mission is to fly veterans who served in World War 1, World War 2, Vietnam, and the Korean War to Washington, D.C., where they can visit the memorials built to commemorate their service and sacrifice.
These trips are free of charge to all qualified veterans. They offer the opportunity to commemorate the fallen, share experiences with fellow service members, and reflect on their time in uniform.
Each year, approximately 22,500 veterans participate in an honor flight trip. Since its founding in 2005, the organization has honored more than 300,000 veterans.
To support this year’s cause, students from both schools are selling commemorative Patriot Game T-shirts and sweatshirts. Sales will take place throughout the week at both high schools.
At Traverse City West, apparel will be available at the school’s main entrance from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At Traverse City Central, gear can be purchased in the main entrance atrium during two time slots: from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., and again from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Any remaining T-shirts and sweatshirts will be sold at Thirlby Field during the game on Friday night. All proceeds will go directly to the Honor Flight Network to help fund future veteran trips to the nation’s capital.
Game tickets can be purchased online in advance at $7 each. Tickets will also be available at the gate on game day starting at 5:30 p.m. for $8. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets here before the game to avoid long lines.
Although Traverse City Central and West share a heated rivalry on the football field, the Patriot Game is a time when both schools come together to support a cause far greater than the game itself.